MTSS
Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (I-MTSS)
Supporting Every Student's Success
At Shikellamy School District, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Our Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (I-MTSS) is a proactive framework designed to ensure every student receives the right support at the right time.
Rather than waiting for students to struggle, I-MTSS helps our schools identify student needs early, provide evidence-based interventions, monitor progress, and adjust supports as students grow and learn. Every student participates in our I-MTSS framework, with support provided based on individual needs.
The Three Tiers of Support
Tier 1 – Universal Support
For All Students
Every student receives:
- High-quality, standards-aligned instruction
- Positive schoolwide behavioral expectations
- Social-emotional learning opportunities
- Universal screenings and classroom supports
Strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of student success and meets the needs of most students.
Tier 2 – Targeted Support
For Some Students
When additional support is needed, students may receive:
- Small-group academic interventions
- Behavioral or social-emotional supports
- Targeted instruction focused on specific skills
- Frequent progress monitoring
These supports are provided in addition to regular classroom instruction and are adjusted based on student progress.
Tier 3 – Intensive Support
For a Few Students
Students with significant or ongoing needs may receive:
- Individualized interventions
- Intensive academic, behavioral, or social-emotional supports
- Frequent progress monitoring
- Collaboration with specialists and families
Support plans are individualized and adjusted as students make progress.
Families Are Important Partners
Families play an essential role in the I-MTSS process. If your child begins receiving Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports, school staff will communicate with you about:
- Your child's identified area(s) of need
- The support plan being implemented
- How progress will be monitored
- Ways you can reinforce learning and growth at home
Your insight and partnership help us provide the best possible support for your child.
I-MTSS Is Not Special Education
Receiving support through I-MTSS does not mean a student is in special education or is automatically being considered for special education. I-MTSS is a framework available to all students and is designed to provide support based on individual needs. Many students receive temporary interventions and successfully return to receiving only Tier 1 supports. Families always maintain the right to request a special education evaluation if appropriate.
Learn More
To learn more about Shikellamy School District's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports, please review the resources below:
- Shikellamy I-MTSS Handbook
- Shikellamy I-MTSS Handbook (Spanish)
- Understanding I-MTSS: A Guide for Families
- Understanding I-MTSS: A Guide for Families (Spanish)
If you have questions about I-MTSS or your child's supports, please contact your child's teacher or school principal.
